How To Do Makeup for Oily Skin: 13 Shine-Reducing Tips

July 01, 2024

By: Wendy Rose Gould | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

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Glowing, dewy, luminous—these are all positive adjectives when it comes to describing skin, until they veer just a little too far into oily territory. While oily skin does come with some complexion benefits, it’s smart to figure out how to do makeup for oily skin. That way you can skip the frustration of keeping your makeup intact and keep that unwanted midday shine under control. To help guide you down the path towards shine-free skin, we tapped two pros, Urban Decay makeup artist Amanda Rodriguez and celebrity makeup artist Kasey Spickard, to share their best makeup techniques for oily skin. Find their expert advice—plus a look at some of the best products and makeup for oily skin—below.

13 Makeup Tips for Oily Skin

Applying makeup to oil skin doesn’t differ much from any other routine in the steps you’ll want to follow. The technique, however, does. Read on to learn how to do makeup for oily skin and make it last.

1. Prep your skin properly

Knowing how to prep oily skin for makeup can make a huge difference in the outcome of your look. Spickard recommends starting by cleansing your skin “to remove any dirt, debris, and oil.” This helps ensure you’re working with a clean canvas, which can allow your makeup to go on more smoothly and evenly.

2. Hydrate with a lightweight moisturizer

It’s a common misconception that people with oily skin don’t need to moisturize as often, or even that they shouldn’t moisturize at all. Keeping skin hydrated—yes, even for those with oily skin—is really important.

“The majority of clients and models I speak to think that because they’re oily, moisturizer is terrible for them,” Rodriguez says. “Hydration is different from moisturizing. Hydrate your complexion to balance out the oil so makeup applies better.”

That being said, it’s important to choose a moisturizer that won’t leave your skin looking (or feeling) greasy. If you’re prone to blemishes, it’s also a good idea to seek out products labeled non-comedogenic—this means they’re unlikely to clog your pores. If you need a product recommendation, we suggest trying the CeraVe Ultra-Light Facial Gel with Hyaluronic Acid. It absorbs quickly and delivers all-day hydration with a weightless, non-sticky feel.

3. Apply a light dusting of powder

This is one of Spickard’s pro tips that you may not have thought of on your own. Typically, you’d go in with your powder after applying your foundation, but Spickard recommends also doing it before. “Doing a light dusting of loose powder on the T-zone before your foundation is an amazing way to lock in your makeup and prevent oiliness,” he shares. To avoid a patchy makeup application, use an ultra-light hand—the goal is to simply absorb any excess oil that may interfere with your makeup application.

4. Apply a makeup primer

“Primer is your best friend when you’re trying to control shine,” says Spickard. The best makeup primers for oily skin are those that not only extend makeup wear, but also help keep shine at bay. Look for a formula that’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and says “mattifying” or “shine control” on the label—these tend to work best for those with oilier complexions.

5. Don’t skip your eyelids

Though priming your face for complexion makeup is essential, you should also use an eye makeup primer to ensure a full face of flawless makeup that will last. This step is especially crucial if you’re wearing eyeshadow or eyeliner. Eyelids get greasy, too!

6. Opt for matte finish foundations

“When shopping for makeup, look out for formulas that have a mattifying and long-wear claim. These are designed specifically to combat shine,” says Rodriguez. “Avoid cushion compacts and anything with the word luminous.” Spickard echoes Rodriguez’s advice, noting that “you are going to want to use a natural or matte finish foundation to prevent oiliness.” (We’ll share one of our top picks shortly).

7. Apply your foundation in thin layers

You can use either a foundation brush or a makeup sponge to apply your foundation—both work well. However, Rodriguez recommends being mindful with your application to avoid a cakey look. Start with a thin layer of foundation and go from there—you can always add more to areas that need a bit of additional coverage.

8. Layer your powders

One of Spickard’s best makeup tips for oily skin is to layer different types of powders to lock in your foundation and mattify your complexion. He suggests starting by dusting a translucent setting powder all over the face to help set your foundation. “Then, go in with a powder puff and a brightening setting powder in the under-eye area and anywhere you want to brighten,” he says. Be sure to dust off any excess powder when you’re done to avoid a cakey finish.

9. Avoid luminous, dewy formulas

This one is tough since the dewy makeup look is so popular right now, but it’s not ideal if you’re trying to ditch extra shine. “Avoid any formulas that are too luminous and dewy,” Spickard advises. “I see tons of folks using luminous primers all over their face to get the dewy effect and they end up looking like an oil slick.” Makeup for oily skin should be on the more matte side—at least if you’re looking to keep shine to a minimum.

10. Try powder highlighters

You don’t have to forego highlighter if you have oily skin—but it’s a good idea to be mindful of your application, since your skin is already naturally glowy. Stick to powder highlighter and apply a light dusting only to the high points of your face (namely, the tops of your cheekbones, along your brow bones, and on your Cupid’s bow). This will help add radiance without making your skin appear more oily.

11. Use a mattifying setting spray

Since layering powder over powder can get cakey, Rodriguez recommends finishing with a setting spray to help everything melt together. Setting spray will also help lock your makeup in place, reducing the need for touch-ups throughout the day. Just be sure to look for a matte-finish formula, such as the Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray.

12. Clean your makeup brushes regularly

If you’re not already cleaning your makeup brushes regularly, this is your sign to start doing so ASAP. It’s advisable for everyone to practice good hygiene when it comes to your makeup brushes, but it is especially important for those with oily skin, since oil from your face can transfer onto your makeup brushes and sponges and potentially lead to breakouts. Use a designated makeup brush cleaner or micellar water to rid your brushes of oil, dirt and debris, then let them air dry before using.

13. Touch up often

Even with these tips, chances are you wouldn’t dare leave the house without a back up oil-control method. We get it. In that case, you can throw a pack of blotting papers in your purse. If you notice you’re looking shinier than you’d like, pop one out and press—don’t rub—it onto your skin. This technique will allow you to mattify your skin without disrupting any makeup you’re wearing.

Makeup Products for Oily Skin

If you’ve tried all of these makeup tips for oily skin and still find yourself looking shiny by noon, the products you’re using may be to blame. Below, we’re sharing some of the best makeup for an oily face, from primers to foundations and more.

Setting spray: Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Matte Setting Spray

Urban Decay’s matte-finish version of the classic All-Nighter Setting Spray is one of the best setting sprays for oily skin that we’ve tried (and trust us—we’ve tried a lot). The lightweight formula helps absorb excess oil on the skin’s surface, providing a smooth matte finish that lasts up to 16 hours without settling into fine lines. Be sure to shake the bottle thoroughly before use to activate the formula and ensure a smooth, even application.